Apple is poised to unveil its first foldable iPhone in the latter half of this year, setting the stage for a head-to-head clash with Samsung Electronics, which has been releasing its Galaxy Z Fold series every fall since 2019.
According to reports from GSM Arena and other international media outlets on Monday, Apple is ramping up development efforts to launch its new foldable iPhone at a September event. This news contradicts earlier predictions of a 2027 release, as Apple’s supply chain partners reportedly haven’t received any delay-related instructions.
If these reports prove accurate, Apple’s foldable iPhone, potentially dubbed the iPhone Ultra, will go toe-to-toe with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 series, slated for unveiling on July 22.
The iPhone Ultra is rumored to adopt a wide fold design, featuring a shorter height and wider width. This configuration allows for direct comparisons with Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 8, which is also expected to showcase a similar wide fold form factor.
Current specifications suggest the iPhone Ultra will resemble a passport in shape, boasting a 5.5-inch external display and a 7.8-inch internal screen.
The device is expected to feature a dual-camera system on the rear, comprising 48-megapixel wide and ultra-wide lenses. Battery capacity is anticipated to be the largest ever in an iPhone, ranging from 5,800 to 6,000 milliamp hours (mAh).
Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is set to incorporate Qualcomm Incorporated’s Snapdragon 8 Elite fifth-generation mobile processor and is rumored to include a 50-megapixel dual rear camera setup.
Samsung’s offering will sport a 6.2-inch external display and a 7.6-inch internal screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio. While its 4,800 mAh battery capacity is somewhat smaller, reports suggest the device will maintain a lightweight profile of around 200 grams (about 0.44 lbs).
Industry analysts predict that Apple’s entry into the foldable phone market will significantly reshape the competitive landscape.
Counterpoint Research asserts that Apple’s foray will mark a pivotal moment in the industry, projecting that the tech giant could capture approximately 28% market share by 2026, putting it in close contention with market leader Samsung.
However, skepticism persists regarding the reliability of Apple’s inaugural foldable iPhone.
PhoneArena commented that Apple’s track record in hardware and software innovation has been less than stellar in recent years. At least with the Galaxy Z Fold 8, consumers can feel confident using a product from a company with extensive experience in foldable phone technology.